Why did you decide you wanted to do a boudoir session?

For most of my life, I was my own body’s worst critic. Then, just as I had learned to love my body and to take pride in it I had “Irish Twins” (two single children with 12 months or less between them). I love my girls, but they wrecked my body.  I was also in an abusive relationship with a man who told me at least once a day that I was worthless, ugly, and ruined. I took my girls and left; knowing that I had done the right thing for myself and for them. But the scars from his hurtful actions and words left me questioning my own desirability.  Having this boudoir session was about me: reclaiming my own sensuality and seeing myself as beautiful..

How were you feeling before your shoot? Any thoughts going through your head?

I was so nervous! Not necessarily about the process; but about the outcome. I was so worried that I wouldn’t like the photos because I wouldn’t like myself in them. I stressed over which clothes to bring and how I would look. I think I ended up bringing twice as many outfits as you recommended and didn’t think I’d look particularly wonderful in any of them.

Now that you’ve had your own photo shoot, how was it? What would you say to someone considering doing a boudoir shoot?

When I got there we laid out all the outfits and you got me talking about them. You got me talking about how I’ve always been a “nerdy girl” and how much I loved the idea of showing off the Star Wars fan and the girly girl in one. Then you helped me narrow down my outfits based on my personality; not just my body type.

As soon as we started the nerves fell away. I stopped worrying about the outcome and let myself just enjoy the process. Throughout the session, you reassured me that you were getting great photos and by the end instead of dreading viewing the pictures, I couldn’t wait. I’d definitely recommend this process to anyone considering it; especially those women who don’t think they have a traditionally beautiful body or who struggle to view themselves as sensual.

Are there any other benefits or thoughts you’ve had since the session?

Anytime the self-doubt that my ex instilled in me starts to seep in, I can go to my photo book and flip through the pictures, reminding myself not only of my physical beauty; but of my strong personality and inner beauty as well.